Exclusive Dulwich College wants facelift for some of its historic rooms
One of the UK’s most famous private schools – which costs £50,000 per year for boarders to attend – is set to get a facelift.
All-boys boarding school Dulwich College has submitted plans to Southwark council to refurbish a number of rooms at its Grade-II* listed home.
The 19th century school building’s lower hall, main stairs, master’s common room, library and bedroom, and chaplain’s room would be revamped under the proposals.
In the lower hall, lighting—including a non-original chandelier—would be replaced and the walls repainted a lighter colour in order to make the room less dim.
The plans would also see a modern vinyl floor in the room removed and replaced, while damaged terracotta tiles would be repaired. According to documents submitted to the council, ‘the lighting quality in the master’s library is considered by current staff as insufficient to comfortably work in’.
New lighting would be fitted in this room, while the library’s worn parquet flooring would be removed and replaced. Better lighting would also be installed in the master’s bedroom under the plans.
Elsewhere, the area around the building’s main stairs would be repainted including the ceiling, skirtings and window trim details. Meanwhile, the school’s chaplain room would be converted into a new dish washing area and incorporated into an adjoining kitchen.
Changes to the structure and layout of the master’s common room would also be made as part of the plans. Dulwich College’s central block, north and south block were built between 1866 and 1870 in an Italian Renaissance style.
Dulwich College was established in 1616. Former pupils of the school are known as Old Alleynians. They include Reform leader Nigel Farage, Ed Simons, one half of electronic music duo the Chemical Brothers, and conceptual artist Jeremy Deller.
Southwark council will reach a decision on whether to approve the plans at a later date.
Pictured top: Dulwich College (Picture: LDRS/Robert Firth)
